Nigeria’s Flamingos set up Mexico last-16 tie at U-17 World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos will meet Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions Korea DPR 3–1 in Morocco.

The result, secured on Friday, gave Akeem Busari’s side six points from Group B and ended Korea DPR’s perfect start to the tournament. The North Koreans had won their opening two matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding only once.

Nigeria took control of the decisive fixture with three goals before half-time and early in the second half. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 38th minute after being set up by Tosin Rafiu.

Kanyinsola Yusuf then made it 3–0 with a free-kick in the 56th minute, leaving the defending champions facing a difficult recovery.

Yu Jong Hyang reduced the deficit for Korea DPR in the 82nd minute, but Nigeria held on for a significant victory. Adegbuyi appeared to have scored again in the 88th minute, although the goal was disallowed after a video review identified a foul in the build-up.

Mexico next for Nigeria

The Flamingos will now face Mexico in the knockout stage, with a quarter-final place at stake.

Nigeria won bronze at the 2022 edition and will be aiming for a second podium finish. Their victory over Korea DPR also strengthened their credentials as a team capable of progressing deep into the competition.

The match was Nigeria’s third meeting with Korea DPR at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria won the first encounter 3–2 in 2010, while Korea DPR prevailed 3–0 in 2016.

Korea DPR are two-time champions and had entered the contest among the leading contenders for the trophy. Before facing Nigeria, they had taken maximum points from two matches, scoring 12 times and conceding once. Their overall group-stage record was 13 goals scored, four conceded and a +9 goal difference.

How Nigeria reached the knockout stage

Nigeria began Group B with a 2–1 defeat by Poland but responded by beating tournament debutants Puerto Rico 2–0.

Their win over Korea DPR completed a record of two victories and one defeat, earning six points. Poland also finished on six points after beating Puerto Rico 6–2, while Korea DPR likewise ended the group phase with six points.

Korea DPR and Nigeria advanced to the Round of 16, with Poland progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. Puerto Rico were eliminated.

Poland finished with two wins and one loss, nine goals scored and nine conceded. Puerto Rico lost all three matches, scoring two goals and conceding 14.

Nigeria’s group-stage route was:

– Lost 2–1 to Poland
– Beat Puerto Rico 2–0
– Beat Korea DPR 3–1

Their next opponent is Mexico, as the Flamingos continue their bid to remain in contention for the title.